The August meeting of the South Ripley School
Corporation began on a note of celebration as senior Thad Fleming
was recognized for his achievements in track and field last spring.
Flemings accomplishments include winning the sectional and
regional discus competitions, tying the school record. He participated
in the state track and field meet.

Superintendent Ted Ahaus wished Fleming well in the upcoming school
year. President Ralph Miller presented him with a certificate
of recognition, a pin, and a Raiders umbrella.

The following personnel changes were unanimously approved:

 Resignation of Kim Kinker as elementary aide effective
immediately.

 Employment of Elizabeth Ritter to fill the Title I aide
position vacated by Kinkers resignation.

 Employment of Mitchell Harrell as high school education
aide effective this school year.

 Employment of Casey Payne to fill the IDEA Stimulus Special
Education aide position. This is a non-benefit, one-year only
position for the 2009-2010 school year.

 FMLA request for Paige Byard retroactively from July 22-
August 11, 2009.

Under financial news:

Approval was given for the 2010 calendar year budgets and permission
to advertise such. Approval was given for change orders in the
amount of $23,300.00 for the building/renovation project. Approval
was given for the school corporation to contribute to the girls
golf team for the 2009 season. Business Manager Lana Miller stated
that a tax draw was received from Ripley County consisting of
$1,982,565.00.

In other news, Ahaus stated that the start of school went well
as did junior high orientation and the high schools open
house. According to Dr. John Mehrle, the junior high wing is working
as it should. He commended the teachers for their hard work during
this transition. A progress meeting with the contractors is to
be held August 21. Lana Miller stated that contractor bills have
not been received since the last board meeting. Board members
were happy to report that there were many positive comments regarding
the building project particularly the junior high wing.

According to board member Jim Miller, the Madison Schools and
South Ripley schools had filed for a joint technology grant that
was recently approved by the state of Indiana.

Those attending this meeting were board members Robert Garcia,
Gil Landwehr, Keith Mathews, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller, Ralph
Miller, and Tim Taylor. Superintendent Ted Ahaus, Assistant Superintendent
Dr. John Mehrle, school attorney Merritt Alcorn and Business Manager
Lana Miller were also in attendance. The next school board meeting
will be September 21.

KAREN REYNOLDS PHOTO
Pictured from left are South Ripley
Superintendent Ted Ahaus, Thad Fleming, and board president
Ralph Miller. Fleming was recognized for his achievements
in track and field last spring at the regular August board
meeting.